Aircraft Data Technical Information and Drawings

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1 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I A PPENDIX 1 Aircraft Data Technical Information and Drawings Compiled and written by Dr. William J. Armstrong Historian Naval Air Systems Command A-3 (A3D) Skywarrior Early in the Second World War, the Navy began to explore the concept of a jet powered aircraft operating from carriers. Success encouraged further development of the concept, and early in the post war years the Navy began to consider jet power as a possible means of operating from carriers, aircraft that were large enough to provide a strategic bombing capability. In January 1948, the Chief of Naval Operations issued a requirement to develop a long range, carrierbased attack plane that could deliver a 10,000 pound bomb load. The contract which the Navy awarded to the Douglas Aircraft Company on 29 September 1949 led to the development and production of the A3D Skywarrior. Unusually large for a carrier-based aircraft, the A3D quickly earned the nickname whale. The Navy would never have a strategic bombing role in the defense of the United States, but the 282 Skywarriors which the Navy purchased served well in many roles. And as the last decade of the century began, the KA-3 and EA-3 soldiered on as tankers and electronic warfare aircraft. First contract 29 September 1949 First flight 22 October 1952 First reported in squadron By VAH-1 on 31 March 1956 Last delivery January 1961 Number accepted 282 An A3D-1 Skywarrior,

2 444 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) XA3D-1: Experimental aircraft. YA3D-1: Prototype aircraft. A3D-1 (redesignated A-3A): The primary mission was attack of enemy surface targets. The A-3A had a conventional swept-wing structure, two turbo-jet engines, provisions for a threeman crew of pilot, bomber-assistant pilot and a gunner-navigator. There were provisions for twelve 4,500 pound thrust JATO bottles and for in-flight refueling. The airplane was a conventional swept-wing structure with an all metal wing and a semi-monocoque fuselage. The two turbo-jet engines were enclosed in under-wing nacelles. The tricycle landing gear, arresting gear, wing fold and tail fold mechanisms, single slotted wing flaps and power boost were operated by hydraulic power. The horizontal stabilizer was adjustable for trim in flight. A3D-2 (redesignated A-3B): At first designated A3D-1B, the A3D-2 differed from the A3D-1 by additional provisions for a fourth crew member. The leading edge slats were actuated automatically by aerodynamic loads. Anti-skid braking was provided. The JATO installation accommodated twelve 4,500 pound thrust bottles. In-flight refueling and tanker provisions were provided for the A3D-2. The following are technical specifications for the A-3B: Weight: Empty 37,077 lbs Basic 37,545 lbs Design lbs Combat lbs Max T.O. (Land) lbs Max T.O. (Cat) lbs Max landing (land) 56,000 lbs Max landing (carrier) lbs Dimensions: Wing area 770 sq ft Wing span 72.5 ft M.A.C in Sweepback 36 degrees 74.7 ft Height 22.8 ft Tread 10.4 ft Ordnance: Bombs twelve 500 pound G.P. six 1,000 pound G.P.. eight 1,600 pound A.P. four 2,000 pound G.P. Mines twelve 500 pound Mk 50 Special stores: Guns/ammunition six 1,000 pound Mk 36 four 2,000 pound Mk 25 two 2,000 pound Mk 10 six 1,000 pound Mk 52-1 twelve 374 pound Mk 53-0 four 2,000 pound XG-7 one 1,558 pound Mk 12 four 2,000 pound Mk 39-0 two 20 mm (M3)/500 rounds per gun tail turret system Aero 21B AN/ASB-1A Radar bomb director Power plant: Two J57-P10 Pratt & Whitney turbojet dual rotor, axial flow engines. 158 in Diameter 41 in Electronics: Radio altimeter AN/APN-22 VOR homing AN/ARN-14E VHF trans-receiver AN/ARC-27A TACAN AN/ARN-21 HF trans-receiver AN/ARC-38 IFF transponder AN/APX-6B Interphone AN/AIC-4A Coder AN/APA-89 UHF direction finder AN/ARA-25 A3D-2P (redesignated RA-3B): The production version of the YA3D-2P. This reconnaissance aircraft carried a pressurized camera compartment with twelve camera stations. The compartment also housed camera controls, camera door controls and stowage for spare film magazines. The bomb bay accommodated photo-flash bombs and/or cartridges. Sighting equipment and view-finders were located in the cockpit. A3D-2C (redesignated EA-3B): The principal mission of the A3D-2Q was to search for enemy radar. Provisions were made for a crew of seven: pilot, navigator-assistant pilot, gunner-radioman and four ECM operators including an evaluator. A3D-2T (redesignated TA-3B): Trainer version. Other Designations A3D-1P (redesignated RA-3A): Same as A-3A except equipped for photography. A3D-1Q (EA-3A): Same as A-3A except equipped for countermeasures. Bomb capabilities removed.

3 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 445 VA-3B: Similar to EA-3B aircraft except certain readily detachable electronic equipments removed from cabin area and the installation of equipment necessary for personnel accommodations. KA-3B: Similar to A-3A aircraft except modified to a tanker capability. EKA-3B: Model A-3B aircraft configured for the TACOS (Tanker Aircraft/Countermeasures or Strike) mission. NRA-3B: An A-3B equipped as test bed for Harpoon and Cruise missile guidance systems. ERA-3B: RA-3B modified to fleet electronic warfare support group configuration. Bureau Numbers XA3D YA3D A3D A3D A3D A3D YA3D-2P (Aircraft never accepted) A3D-2Q (Aircraft never accepted) A3D-2W (Bureau number canceled) A3D A3D A3D-2P A3D-2Q A3D A3D-2P A3D-2Q A3D-2T A3D Line drawings for an A-3 Skywarrior.

4 446 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I A4D (A-4) Skyhawk By the early 1950s, jet power had matured to the point where the Navy became interested in using it for an attack aircraft. At that time, the AD Skyraider was the Navy s premier VA plane. The A4D Skyhawk (redesignated A-4) was the successor of the AD-1 Skyraider. Interdiction and close air support was what the aircraft was designed to do by the Douglas Company s aeronautical engineer, Mr. Ed Heinemann. First contract 10 Sep 1952 First flight 22 Jun 1954 First reported in squadron 27 Sep 1956 Last delivery 27 Feb 1979 Number accepted 2,876 An XA4D-1 Skyhawk takes off on its maiden flight from Edwards AFB, California, June Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) Only one model will list the technical specifications for the aircraft. All the other models will only identify the specific changes resulting in a new model designation. A4D-1 (Redesignated A-4A): The A4D-1 was a single seat aircraft designed as a light weight, carrier-based, turbo-jet plane whose primary mission was the destruction of enemy ground and surface targets. The structure was a conventional all metal semi-monocoque type. Fitted with automatically operated wing slats and hydraulically operated split flaps. Folding wings were not provided. The following are the technical specifications for the A4D-1: Dimensions: Wing area 260 sq ft Wing span 27 ft 6 in 39 ft 5 in Height 15 ft 7 in Weight: Empty 8,286 lbs Basic 8,375 lbs Design 12,504 lbs Combat 11,702 lbs Max Takeoff (Field) 19,910 lbs Max Takeoff (Catapult) 19,910 lbs Max Landing (Field) 11,556 lbs Max Landing (Arrest) 11,556 lbs Ordnance: Four 20 mm guns with 280 rounds on wing Fire control: six Aero 14B racks on wing Max load capacity 3,000 pounds Electronics: UHF Comm AN/ARC-27A IFF AN/APX-6 IFF Coder AN/APA-B9 UHF ADF AN/ARA-25 TACAN (Backfit) AN/ARN-21 Power Plant: One Wright J65-W-4 axial flow engine. A4D-2 (Redesignated A-4B): The A4D-2 differed from the A4D-1 primarily by the incorporation of a pressure fueling-system, flight refueling provisions and a powered elevator system. One seat. A4D-2N (Redesignated A-4C): Improved A-4B with longer nose. One seat. A4D-5 (Redesignated A-4E): The A4D-5 was an A4D-2N with the J-52-P6 engine and two additional wing weapon stations. One crew. A-4F: Similar to A-4E but with J52-P-8A engine. ESCAPAC IC-3 ejection seat. One crew. A-4G: For Australian Navy. A-4H: For FMS. A-4K: For New Zealand. A-4KU: For FMS. A-4M: Similar to A-4F but with enlarged canopy. One crew. A-4N: For FMS. Other Designations TA-4B: Small, single-seat, delta wing, carrier-based, attack aircraft with tricycle landing gear and in-flight refueling capability.

5 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 447 EA-4P: TA-4F modified for ECM missions. A-4L: A-4C with new engine, winglift spoilers, Walleye and Shrike missile capability, and improved avionics. OA-4M: A-4M modified for use by Marine Corps in high speed reconnaissance and tactical air control. A-4S: A-4B aircraft for use by Singapore. TA-4S: Trainer version of the A-4S. Bureau Numbers XA4D A4D , , , , , A4D-2N , , , , , , A4D A-4E TA-4E A-4F , , TA-4F , , , , A-4G TA-4G A-4H , , TA-4H , TA-4J , , , , , , , A-4K TA-4K A-4KU TA-4KU A-4M , , , , , A-4N , , , , , A4D , , Line drawings for an A-4 Skyhawk.

6 448 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I A3J (A-5) Vigilante The two aircraft that rank as the heaviest the Navy ever deployed aboard carrier are the A-3 Skywarrior and the A-5 Vigilante. Designed by North American to be a supersonic, allweather, strategic bomber, the Vigilante began life as the A3J and was redesignated A- 5 in the general redesignation of Defense Department airplanes that occurred in The contractor referred to this design as the North American General Purpose Attack Weapon (NAGPAW). The first contract for this aircraft was awarded to North American by the Navy on 29 August Its first flight occurred two years later on 31 August Technical difficulties and strategic prioritites prevented the A3J from ever serving in its intended role, but it did find a valuable place as a reconnaissance aircraft. The Vigilante was first reported in squadron by VAH-3 in June 1961, and completed its final deployment in September A total of 156 Vigilantes were bought. Weight: Empty Combat Combat Range Engines Ordnance 32,714 lbs 47,530 lbs 1,750 nm to 2,270 nm two 17,000 lbs General Electric J79-8 or two 15,690 lbs General Electric J79-2 Internal stores including special weapons Two wing stations for external stores. A3J-2 (redesignated A-5B): Greater fuel capacity and two additional wing stations for ordnance. A3J-3P (redesignated RA-5C): Same as A-5B but equipped with day and night panoramic cameras that could scan horizon to horizon. Also equipped with cameras for still photography. Electronic systems included jamming and intelligence gathering capabilities. Bureau Numbers YA3J A3J A3J A3J A3J A3J-3P A3J-3P RA-5C RA-5C RA-5C (all canceled) RA-5C A YA3J-1 Vigilante takes off, circa late 1950s. Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) YA3J-1: Prototype version of the A3J-1. A3J-1 (redesignated A-5A): Crew two 76 ft 6 in Span: Open 53 ft Folded 42 ft Wing area 700 sq ft Height: Tail upright 19 ft Tail folded 14 ft 6 in Line drawings for an A3J (A-5) Vigilante.

7 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 449 A-6 Intruder The Navy s experience with jet aircraft in the Korean conflict led to a requirement for a low-level attack bomber that could deliver ordnance against moving and fixed sea and land targets in all-weather and darkness. It was to be subsonic and capable of delivering nuclear as well as conventional ordnance thus being useful in both nuclear retaliatory and conventional conflicts. The Chief of Naval Operations issued the operational requirement (CA-01504) for this aircraft on 2 October On 5 March 1957 the Navy announced its intention to conduct a design competition for an aircraft that would meet the operational requirement. Eight manufacturers submitted eleven designs to this competition. The Navy selected the Grumman design. The aircraft that Grummman produced was a swept-wing two-place plane with exceptional loitering ability that could fly under enemy radar and carry greater and more varied stores than any naval attack aircraft of its time. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J-52 P-6 turbojet engines each with 8,500 pounds of thrust. The Intruder made its first flight 19 April 1960 as the A2F-1, a designation that became A-6A in the Department of Defense s uniform designation system. First contract 26 March 1959 First flight 19 April 1960 First reported in squadron February 1963 (A-6A in VA-42) Initial operating capability February 1963 Number accepted 687 Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) A-6A: Originally designated A2F-1 and changed to A-6A in the DOD uniform designation system, this aircraft was first accepted by the Navy in February 1963 by VA-42. At light weights it could operate from short unprepared fields in close support of ground troops; at higher weights it could operate from catapult on long range special weapon strikes against heavily defended fixed targets. The A-6A had an attack-navigation and central digital computer system to find targets in all moving conditions. EA-6A: The original designation of the EA-6A was A2F-1Q. This aircraft retained a portion of the A-6A s attack capability but gave up much of its bombing and navigation equipment to make space for antennas to convert the attack plane into an effective electronic warfare aircraft. A-6B: The A-6B was a version of the A-6A design produced to meet the special wartime need of destroying ground-based antiaircraft defenses. The A-6B was equipped to carry the Standard Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) and had emitter location sensors. KA-6D: A-6A modified for use as aerial refueling tanker. A-6E: The Navy began to develop this version of the An early A2F-1 Intruder in flight, circa early 1960s.

8 450 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I Intruder in the late 1960s. The first production deliveries were made in The A-6E was intended to reduce the necessary maintenance on the aircraft by increasing the reliability of its equipment and support. There were also improvements in the search and track radar, the computer and armament control equipment. The A-6E program involved new production A-6E s and the modification of A-6A s to the -6E configuration. The latter resulted in converting 240 A-6As to A-6Es. A-6E TRAM: The Target Recognition Attack Multisensor (TRAM) configuration of the A-6E greatly improved the aircraft s capability. Introduced in 1976, the TRAM version was equipped with a laser ranger and designator, a laser spot tracker and high resolution infrared sensor. The crew was able to view television quality images of their targets by day or night. The TRAM sensors greatly improve both ballistic and visual bombing accuracy. The TRAM version is equipped to launch laser-guided bombs and missiles. The TRAM s ASN-92 CAINS inertial navigation system gave the crew greater reliability and accuracy than was possible with the ASN-31. The TRAM version also had an Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) and the Approach Power Compensator to provide totally automatic landing aboard carrier. Specifications for the A-6E are as follows: 54 ft 9 in Span 53 ft Height 16 ft 3 in Height with wings folded Weight 21 ft 11 in 26,896 pounds empty 60,400 pounds gross Crew 2 Speed Over 500 knots Engines 2 Pratt & Whitney 9,300 lb J52-P-8 Ordnance Five external store positions. Maximum load of 17,280 pounds Other Designations (Modifications of existing airframes) A-6C: The A-6C was another special version of the A-6A produced to meet a wartime necessity. It was equipped with infrared sensors and Low Light Level Television (LLLT). The A-6C was known by the acronym TRIM which described the aircraft s mission as Trails, Roads Interdiction Multi-sensor. The A-6C s sensors were meant to detect the enemy s supply depots and truck traffic in Southeast Asia. JA-6A: A-6A modified as a test-bed for Circulation Control Wing research and development. Bureau Numbers A2F , , , , A2F-lQ A-6A , , , , , , , , A-6B KA-6D A-6E , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Line drawings for an A-6 Intruder.

9 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 451 A-7 Corsair II In May 1963, the Navy began a design competition for a light-attack, carrier-based aircraft to replace the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. The new aircraft was to carry a larger ordnance payload than the Skyhawk and fly a greater combat radius. Vought, Douglas, Grumman, and North American responded to the Navy s invitation to bid. Vought was selected as the winner in February In March, the designation A-7A was approved for the new aircraft. The proposal by Vought engineers was based on their F-8 Crusader but without that fighter s adjustable wing incidence. It was to incorporate the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 turbo-fan engine which had been developed for the F-111. The engine for the A-7, however, was not to have an afterburner. By using a proven design and engine, development of the A-7 was greatly accelerated over what it would have been if both airframe and powerplant were entirely new concepts. The following are significant dates for the A-7: The first flight occurred on 27 September 1965, and an A-7A Corsair II was delivered to VA-174 on 13 October Carrier trials began aboard America (CVA 66) in November Carrier trials ended with the final acceptance trials at sea aboard Constellation (CVA 64) in March First tactical unit, VA-147 was established February 1967 and the second, VA-87, was established in June First operational squadron deployed aboard Ranger (CVA 61) in November CDR James C. Hill, writing in Proceedings, states that his squadron, VA-147, was established February 1967 and the A-7 deployed into the combat environment of Southeast Asia on 4 November. First A-7 combat action was December 1967, flown by VA-147 from Ranger (CVA 61). Model Designations Accepted from Manufacturer (New Builds) A-7A: A single-place, carrier-based, light attack, subsonic, medium range aircraft, the A-7A was powered by the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 engine and designed to provide high attack utility and flexibility for close support and interdiction missions by virtue of a large number of external store stations to provide ordnance loading capacity and freedom of ordnance choice. A large internal fuel capacity made external fuel unnecessary for most missions while retaining maximum number of stations for armament. The A-7A s combat range was not less than 1,180 nautical miles with an average cruising speed never under 390 knots. The aircraft had an excellent overload capability in terms of wind-overdeck requirements, flying qualities and structural integrity. Features to expedite maintenance and airplane turnaround were important A-7A design characteristics. The A-7A was designed with a fixed wing incidence and a high-lift system composed of leading edge flaps and single slotted trailing edge flaps. Lateral control was provided by outboard ailerons and inboard spoilers. A-7B: Similar to A-7A except with improved engine, a Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-8 or -408, instead of the TF30- P-6 used in the A-7A. Also, variable position flaps, not found in the A-7A, were incorporated in the A-7B. A-7C: Initially intended to be a two-seat training version of the A-7B. When this plan was not pursued, the A- 7C designation served as a stop-gap assigned to those aircraft accepted with the improvements intended for aircraft accepted as A-7E but lacking the Rolls Royce TF41-A-2 engine intended for the A-7E. All A-7Cs were powered by either the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-8 or An early A-7A Corsair II in flight, circa mid- 1960s.

10 452 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I A-7D: For U.S. Air Force. A-7E: Made its combat debut when VA-146 and VA-147 deployed in April 1970 in America (CVA 66). The A-7E was similar to A-7B but with improved naval weapons delivery system, the AVQ-7B Head-Up Display, the ASN-91 Tactical Computer, the APQ-126 Forward Looking Radar, the ASN-90 Inertial Measurement Set and one 20 mm M61Al gun instead of two 20 mm MK- 12 guns. All A-7Es were powered by the Rolls Royce TF41-A-2 engine built, with modifications under license by Allison division of General Motors. The TF41, a non-afterburner engine, had a thrust of 15,000 pounds which was a considerable increase over the TF30-P-8 and Specifications for the A-7E are as follows: Wing: Area 375 sq ft Maximum span ft Folded span ft Aspect ratio 4 Sweep 1/4 chord 35 MGC in ft Height ft Maximum tread 9.49 ft Weight (with TF41-A-2 engine): Empty 18,546 lbs Basic 19,576 lbs Design 29,575 lbs Combat (Clean A/P) 25,834 lbs Maximum takeoff (Overload) 42,000 lbs Maximum takeoff (Normal) 37,279 lbs Maximum landing (Carrier) 25,300 lbs Ordnance: One 20 mm aircraft gun, M61. Two fuselage pylons for missiles. Six wing-mounted pylons with total capacity of 19,000 pounds. A-7H: For Greece. TA-7H: Two-seat trainer version of A-7H for Greece. A-7K: Two-seat A-7D for U.S. Air Force. EA-7L: Converted from TA-7C; modified to FEWSG configurations. A-7P: For Portugal, converted from A-7A. TA-7P: Two-seat trainer version for Portugal, converted from A-7A. Bureau Numbers YA-7A A-7A A-7A A-7A A-7A (Deliveries canceled) A-7B (Deliveries of canceled) A-7B (Deliveries canceled) A-7C A-7E A-7E (Deliveries of canceled) A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E A-7E (Deliveries of canceled) A-7H A-7H TA-7H Other Designations TA-7C: Two-seat trainer version, converted from A-7B and A-7C. A-7G: Designation of aircraft for Switzerland. Never delivered. Line drawings for an A-7 Corsair II.

11 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 453 AD (A-1) Skyraider During World War II the Navy began looking for a new dive-bomber torpedo aircraft to meet its changing tactical and operational requirements. Several planes, among them the AD s direct predecessor, the SB2D/BTD, were developed by the Bureau of Aeronautics. Design difficulties and over-weight problems, however, ultimately led to a decision not to produce the SB2D/BTD. This in turn led to a new design which incorporated the good features of the SB2D/BTD while overcoming its inherent difficulties. The AD series (later redesignated A-1) that emerged from the combined efforts of the Bureau of Aeronautics and Douglas, who was the contractor, had two particularly significant design aspects. First, great emphasis was placed on the importance of the stringent weight control policy. Secondly, the standard bulky, heavy bomb displacing gear was replaced by a light, explosive device which literally blew the bomb clear. In comparison with the most advanced operational dive-bombers in 1945, the AD s initial design compared most favorably with a 27 percent greater top speed and a capability of carrying up to 4,000 pounds of either bombs or torpedoes. First contract 6 Jul 1944 First flight 18 Mar 1945 First reported in squadron 6 Dec 1946 Last delivery Mar 1957 Last reported in squadron 31 Dec 1971 Number accepted 3,180 Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) Only one model will list the technical specifications for the aircraft. All the other models will only identify the specific changes resulting in a new model designation. AD-1: The initial single seat version of the Skyraider was powered by a 2,500 hp Wright R W engine. Its details were as follows: Weight empty 10,508 lbs Gross (Scout) 13,924 lbs Gross (Bomber) 18,030 lbs Dimensions: Wing span 50 ft 38 ft 4 in Height 17 ft 6 in Ordnance on Fuselage: Bombs one 2,000 lbs Depth bomb one 650 lbs Mine one 2,000 lbs Torpedo one MK 13-3 Ordnance on Wings: Bombs two 2,000 lbs Depth Bombs two 650 lbs Mines Rockets two 1,000 lbs two in. Tiny Tim twelve HVAR Torpedo two MK 13-3 Guns two 20 mm (M3) AD-1Q: AD-1 with countermeasures unit. An XBT2D-1 in flight. This was the first designation assigned to the AD Skyraider.

12 454 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I AD-2: Powered with the improved 2,700 hp Wright R W engine. AD-2Q: AD-2 with countermeasures equipment. AD-3: Stronger fuselage, improved landing gear, new canopy design. AD-3N: Equipped for night attack. AD-3Q: Countermeasures equipment improved and relocated to provide better operation and crew comfort. AD-3W: Airborne early warning equipment. AD-4: The AD-4 was equipped with a strengthened landing gear, improved radar, G-2 compass, anti-g suit provisions, 4-20 mm cannon, and Aero 14 rocket launchers capable of carrying up to 50 pounds of bombs. AD-4W: Airborne early warning equipment. AD-1N: The primary mission of the AD-4N airplane was night attack and radar countermeasures. AD-4Q: Countermeasures equipment. AD-5 (Redesignated A-1E): A redesign of the aircraft. The AD-5 incorporated side by side seating for an assistant pilot. The revised crew arrangement facilitated all-weather operation and permitted utilization for long range navigation, radar search, spotting and observation, air support coordination, instrument training, pilot familiarization and other operations requiring a second crew member. Controls, armament and tactical equipment were located for single pilot operation. A single dive brake was provided for dive bombing and maneuvering control. The AD-5 could be converted rapidly aboard a carrier for operation as a passenger, cargo, ambulance or long range airplane by installation of appropriate conversion kits supplied as alternate equipment. AD-5N (Redesignated A-1G): Night attack version with radar countermeasures. AD-5W (Redesignated EA-1E): Airborne early warning version. AD-6 (Redesignated A-1H): The single-place airplane is conventional in design and structure, landing gear, canopy, flaps, wing folding and three fuselage dive brakes are operated hydraulically. Capable of low level bombing, the centerline bomb station of the AD-6 was capable of carrying external stores up to 3500 pounds weight and 30 inches diameter. A combination 14 and 30 inch suspension bomb ejector was installed. A bomb director suitable for either high or low altitude bombing was also installed. AD-7 (Redesignated A-1J): The improvements in the AD-7 over its predecessors include the use of the R WB engine and structural improvements in the wing to improve fatigue life. Other Designations AD-1U: AD-1 with radar countermeasures and tow target equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection equipment. XAD-1W: AD-1 with airborne early warning equipment. AD- 3W prototype. XAD-2: Similar to XBT2D-1 except engine, increased fuel capacity. AD-2N: Equipped for night operations. AD-2U: AD-2 with radar countermeasure and tow target equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection equipment. XAD-3E: AD-3W modified for submarine search. Aeroproducts propeller. AD-2W: AD-2 with airborne early warning equipment. AD-4L: AD-4 equipped for winterized version. Bureau Numbers The Navy ordered the AD under the designation BT2D indicating that it was the second bomber torpedo aircraft which Douglas had designed for the Navy. The designation was later changed to A to reflect the Navy s decision to adopt the letter A in its designation system to the replace the older system of T, B, SB indicating assault aircraft and the intention to combine these missions in one aircraft. XBT2D , 09097, XBT2D-1W XBT2D-1P XBT2D-1Q XBT2D-1N XAD AD ,

13 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 455 AD-1Q ( canceled) AD AD-2Q , AD-2QU AD AD-3E AD-3N , AD-3Q AD-3S AD-3W AD , ( canceled), , , , , , AD-4B , , , , , ( canceled) AD-4N , , , , , , , AD-4NA , , , AD-4NL AD-4Q AD-4W , , , , XAD AD , , , ( canceled) ( canceled), ( canceled) AD-5N , , , ( canceled) AD-5Q AD-5S AD-5W ( canceled), , , ( canceled), AD , , , , XAD-7 ( canceled) AD , ( canceled) ( canceled) Line drawings for an AD (A-1) Skyraider.

14 456 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I AF Guardian The genesis of the Guardian begins in the late months of World War II as Grumman developed plans to replace the TBF Avenger. The normal continuation of the designation, TB2F, was used on a design for a two-engine aircraft that never was built but the designation was recognized by the Navy. The design which the Navy ordered in February 1945 was a single engine attack aircraft designated XTB3F. Because of the designation change of all Navy attack aircraft to A the TB3F entered squadron service in October 1950 as the AF. The aircraft was intended to work in hunter-killer pairs composed of an AF-2S and AF-2W. First contract 19 February 1945 First flight December 1946 First reported in squadron 18 October 1950 Last delivery April 1953 Last reported in squadron 31 August 1955 Initial operational capability October 1950 Number accepted 389 An AF-2S Guardian in flight, June Model Designations Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) XTB3F-1 XTB3F-2S AF-2W AF-2S AF-3S AF-2S (Mission and Description): The AF-2S was the production development of the XTB3F-2S. Its primary mission was to attack enemy submarines after being directed to the target s position by the AF-2W. The AF-2S laid down a pattern of sonobouys to determine exact location of the enemy submarine after which it launched its sonic-directed torpedo to complete the attack. Rockets and depth bombs could be carried to augment the attack. The AF-2S was a three-place plane for operation ashore or aboard carriers. It was conventional in design and structure with an all-metal two spar wing and a semimonocoque fuselage. Landing gear, slotted flaps, wing folding mechanism and pilot s canopy were hydraulically operated. Ailerons were of sealed balance type with spring tabs and one trim tab. Rudder had a combination trim and four to one ratio balance tab. Elevators were interconnected, one equipped with a spring tab and the other with a trim tab. Power plant installation was conventional with steel tube mount. Specifications for the AF-2S are as follows: Power plant One Pratt & Whitney R Weight: Empty 14,658 lbs Basic 15,336 lbs Design 19,200lbs Combat 18,123 lbs Maximum Takeoff 23,015 lbs Maximum Landing 22,500 lbs Dimensions: Wing Area 549 sq ft Span 60 ft 43 ft 5 in Height 16 ft 7 in Tread 14 ft 5 in Ordnance: Bomb bay 1 Mk 41 Torpedo 1 Mk 34 Torpedo 1 Mk 24 Torpedo 1 Mk 24 Mine could be substituted for either the Mk 41 or the Mk 34 Torpedo. 4 Wing Points (inboard and mid-wing) Six 5-inch HPAG or HVAR Rockets. Four 3.5 inch aircraft rockets. Four Mk 54 depth bombs. Three AN/SSQ-1 Sonobuoys. Two dispensers of AN/SSQ-2 Sonobuoys and Mk 5 drift signals (nine each). Two releasable fuel tanks, 75 or 150 gallons each. Fire control: 1 Mk 23-6 Bombsight mounted on a Mk 41-3 periscope. 1 Mk 8-8 Gun sight. Maximum bomb capacity: 3,700 lbs Cameras: 1 AN-N6A, Gun 1 K-25A, Reconnaissance AN/AVQ-2 Searchlight on starboard outboard wingpoint. AN/APS-31 Radar on port outboard wingpoint. Combat range nautical miles AF-2W (Mission and Description): The AF-2W was the production development of the XTB3F-1S. Its mission was radar search for submarines.

15 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 457 After detecting an underwater craft the AF-2W would direct its companion aircraft, the AF-2S onto the target to launch an attack. The AF-2W was a four-place aircraft for operation ashore and aboard carriers. The airplane was conventional in design and structure with an all metal two-spar wing and a semi-monocoque fuselage. The landing gear, slotted flaps, wing folding mechanism, and pilot s canopy were hydraulically operated. Ailerons were of the sealed balance type with spring tabs and one trim tab. Rudder had a combination trim and 4 to 1 ratio balance tab. Elevators were interconnected, one equipped with a spring tab and the other with a trim tab. Power plant installation was conventional with steel tube mount. Specifications for the AF-2W are as follows: Power plant One Pratt and Whitney R Weight: Empty 15,858 lbs Basic 16,037 lbs Design 19,200 lbs Combat 18,629 lbs Maximum takeoff 21,802 lbs Maximum landing 21,500 lbs Dimensions: Wing Area 549 sq ft Span 60 ft 43 ft 5 in Height 16 ft 7 in Tread 14 ft 5 in Ordnance: None Electronics: VHF Communication AN/ARC-28 UHF Communication (Dual) AN/ARC-27 MHF Liaison AN/ARC-2 Interphone AN/AIC-4 or AN/AIC-4A Homing AN/ARR-2A and AN/ARN-21 Radar Altimeter Range Receiver Radar Countermeasures Radar Speed Control Kit Radar Receiving Set Radar Relay Transmitter Ground Position Indicator IFF Combat Range: AN/APN-1 or AN/APN-22 R-23A/ARC-5 AN/APR-9B and AN/APA- 70C AN/APS-20C AN/APS-20 AN/APR-12 AN/ART-26 or AN/ART-28 AN/APA-57A or AN/APA- 57C or AN/APA-81 AN/APX-2 or AN/APX-2A or AN/APX-6 or AN/APX ,315 nautical miles AF-3S (Mission and Description): Same as the AF-2S but with MAD gear installed. Bureau Numbers XTB3F XTB3F-2S XTB3F-1S (XTB3F-1S canceled) AF-2S (Even numbers to AF-2S) AF-2W (Odd numbers to AF-2W) AF-2W (Odd numbers to AF-2W) AF-2S (Even numbers to AF-2S) AF-2S (Even numbers to AF-2S) AF-2W (Odd numbers to AF-2W) AF-2S AF-2W AF-2S AF-2W AF-2S AF-3S AF-2W AF-3S AF-2W Line drawings for an AF Guardian.

16 458 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I AJ (A-2) Savage On 24 June 1946, the Navy awarded North American a contract to build the aircraft that would become the AJ Savage. Intended as a carrier based bomber, the AJ was first reported in squadron service by VC-5 on 13 September It was eventually redesignated A-2. First contract 26 June 1946 First flight 3 July 1948 First reported in squadron 13 Sept 1949 Last delivery June 1954 Last reported in squadron Number Accepted 143 An AJ-2 Savage. An AJ-2P by VAP-62 and VCP-61 in January 1960 Models Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) XAJ-1: Experimental version. AJ-1 (Redesignated A-2A): Crew of three in pressurized cockpit. Wing contained slotted flaps. Power boost system for ailerons, elevators, and rudder. Weights: Empty 27,558 lbs Basic 27,938 lbs Design 47,000 lbs Combat 35,742 lbs Maximum take off 50,954 lbs Maximum Landing 41,300 lbs Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney R W propellers on wings. One Allison J-33-A-1 turbojet in tail. Dimensions: Wing area 836 sq ft Wing span 71 ft 5 in 63 ft 1 in Height 20 ft 5 in Ordnance: Guns None Maximum Bomb Capacity 12,000 lbs AJ-2: The AJ-1 with two Pratt & Whitney R and one Allison J33-A-10 engine. Fuel capacity was increased over that of AJ-1. AJ-2P: AJ-2 aircraft with nose redesigned to accommodate cameras. Bureau Numbers XAJ AJ AJ AJ AJ-2P AJ-2P AJ AJ-2P AJ AJ-2P Line drawings for an AJ Savage.

17 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I 459 AM Mauler Improvements in engines and aircraft design led the Navy to abandon its old system of using different aircraft such as SB for Scout Bomber and TB for Torpedo Bomber and to combine these missions in one aircraft. The Douglas Company s BT2D was an example of an aircraft that was to combine the bombing and torpedo launching functions in one airframe. The Martin Company s BTM was designed in the same spirit. Eventually the old system of designation reflected the changes when the letter A for Attack replaced S (Scout), B (Bomber) and T (Torpedo). The BT2D served virtually all its life as the AD and later A-1. The BTM is remembered as the AM Mauler. First contract 14 January 1944 First flight 26 August 1944 First reported in squadron 1 March 1948 Last delivery October 1949 Last reported in squadron Number Accepted 152 An AM-1Q on 1 October 1950 by VC-4 An AM-1 Mauler in flight carrying a full load of ordnance, March Models Accepted from the Manufacturer (New Builds) XBTM-1: Experimental model of the AM-1. AM-1 Torpedo and dive bomber, also for use in scouting missions. All bombs, mines, torpedoes, rockets, etc. were carried externally on three pylons on wings and fuselage. Provision for radar on right wing pylon. One crew. Structure was conventional, all-metal. Split dive brakes interlocked with landing flaps. Capable of carrying incendiary and fragmentation clusters and smoke tanks. Weight: Empty 15,100 lbs Basic 15,830 lbs Design 19,450 lbs Combat 20,083 lbs Maximum take off 25,000 lbs Maximum landing 17,950 lbs on carrier. 20,600 lbs on land. Power plant One Pratt & Whitney R W. Dimensions:

18 460 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS Volume I Wing area 496 sq ft Wing span 50 ft 1 3/8 in 41 ft 8 13/16 in Height 16 ft 10 5/8 in Ordnance: Guns four 20 mm (M3) with 800 rounds Maximum Bomb Capacity 6,000 lbs AM-1Q: Equipped for radar countermeasures. XBTM AM AM-1Q AM AM-1Q AM AM-1Q AM Bureau Numbers Line drawings for an AM Mauler.